Questions or Comments: mswper@tceq.texas.gov
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Medical Waste

If you conduct medical waste management activities, you may need to obtain a registration, claim a registration by rule, or submit a notification. Some medical waste management activities are exempt from registration and notification requirements.


COVID-19 Information and Updates

  • TCEQ Regulatory Guidance: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

  • Notice to pharmacies that provide COVID-19 testing and treat COVID-19 waste on-site NEW

    Until further notice, TCEQ will exercise enforcement discretion for all pharmacies that provide COVID-19 testing and treat COVID-19 waste on-site using an approved treatment method. These pharmacies are required to maintain records as prescribed under 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Sections 326.39(b) and 326.41(b). Once the medical waste is treated, it may be managed as routine municipal solid waste in accordance with 30 TAC 326.39(c) and 326.41(c).

    Additionally, until further notice, TCEQ will exercise enforcement discretion on the following requirements for pharmacies that provide COVID-19 testing:

      • The Medical Waste Transporter registration and fee requirements in 30 TAC 326.53 and 326.87; and
      • The Medical Waste Mobile Treatment Unit registration and fee requirements in 30 TAC 326.55 and 326.87.

    However, Medical Waste Transporters and Mobile Treatment Units managing Medical Waste from these pharmacies are still required to comply with vehicle, packaging, labeling, manifesting, and shipping requirements in 30 TAC Chapter 326, Subchapter B.

  • Notice to persons submitting documents to Waste Permits Division

    In response to COVID-19, the TCEQ is operating via telework.

    To ensure uninterrupted and effective work we ask that all submittals to the Waste Permits Division be posted online to allow for immediate access to project managers. Please include a link to the location of the document in the cover letter.

    If you have any questions, please email mswper@tceq.texas.gov and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this unprecedented time.

General Information

Regulatory Requirements

  • Regulated Activities
    Regulatory and application requirements for the treatment, transfer, transport, recordkeeping, and storage of medical waste.

Forms and Guidance

Note: If delinquent fees or penalties of $25 or more are associated with an applicant's Customer Number (CN), we are required to suspend processing of the application until payment is made. For more information, please visit the TCEQ delinquent fees and penalties web page.

Rules

  • Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 326Exit the TCEQ
    • State rules establishing the requirements for the collection, transport, transfer, storage, treatment, and disposal of medical waste, and for registering medical waste processing facilities.

Disposing of Sharps, Syringes and Other Related Waste

  • Disposing of Sharps, Syringes, and Other Related Waste
    • Recommendations for safe disposal of household generated sharps and syringes
    • Requirements for management and disposal of sharps generated from a dentist's office, doctor's office, acupuncture clinic, or other health care-related facility
    • Management and disposal of used or expired pharmaceutical waste

Existing and Proposed Medical Waste Facilities

Contact MSW Permits Section

Contact the MSW Permits Section if you have questions about managing medical waste.